Andrew Abrahams What a beautiful slide show and tribute! I loved getting to peer into Bruce's adventurous life and to see him as his younger self--and OMG Nico looks just like him when he was a boy. Bruce's beautiful, warm soul shine here. Thank you Nila and Nico for sharing him with us in this way. He is sorely and deeply missed!
about 13 hours ago

Steve McConnell The kitchen at 1818 McAllister St when Joe Lambert and I moved in. L>R: Eric, Bruce, Michael, Cathy
1 day ago

Bob Fitzpatrick Hey Bruce. Discovering the new world of San Francisco with you and our housemates, friends and co-adventurers made a foundation that helped me find adventure, inspiration and friendship where I roamed. We had so much fun and I am lucky I got to ride with you for a while. Look forward to our next adventure together. In the meantime, I’ll hold close the good memories which are a blessing.
2 days ago

Laura Batistich Emilio and I were very sorry to hear of Bruce’s passing - much too soon. As others have told, the loss hits hard as we all shared some formative years arriving in SF right out of college, full of energy and adventure. Bruce was one of the ‘originals’ who welcomed us with open arms and a couch to crash on if needed when we rolled up in our VW bus. I treasure the memories and lifelong friendships from those days. Always a warm presence, seeing Bruce and Nila at Lou’s xmas party was an annual treat (loved the bright red holiday vest he often wore). Thinking of you, Nila. Sending hugs
3 days ago

JOE LAMBERT I was lucky to know and hang out with Bruce both at Tufts and in San Francisco. We had many great times together but I guess the best ones would be where, now, the details are forgotten. When not much really happened and we would just be hanging out. He had that quintessential California laid back attitude that was contagious. however I do remember one day/night in particular. He had just arrived back to San Francisco from one of his summer fishing trips to Alaska and brought back to the gang of friends at Fulton street a WHOLE BUNCH of salmon. I have no idea how he got it all back with him. I mean we had a huge dinner party that night probably more than 15 people and there were leftovers. The only downside was that the cat (poopsie) got into the garbage and must of either ate too much or got into the bones but she did not last the week (sorry Ia'). Anyway, now I live on the east coast and haven't seen him in a while but will surely miss that smile.
3 days ago

Andrea Peabbles When I met Bruce after we each migrated westward in the 1980s post-college, he was a calm presence at our indulgent parties on Fulton Street. His focused gaze and good listening abilities, however, concealed his adventurous spirit within. One summer while many of us toiled away in the city, he headed to the wilds of Alaska to work on a boat (then shared enough of his catch for many friends to enjoy at another gathering). Frank recalls when, shortly after his arrival from quiet Maine, he accompanied Bruce and Bill the Painter to an event on Mis sion Street that included cans and the local constabulary. . . . They had a great time. Bruce was not shy of traveling and now has gone to farther realms. I am sorry I haven’t seen him in decades but certainly learned from him and fondly recall his twinkling eyes and bright smile.
3 days ago

Carla Witt I met Bruce in the late 80s when I returned from Tufts to my native home, San Francisco. I will always remember his deep laugh and I noticed his laugh was contagious and made all around him smile. He was a house painter and fisherman at the time and I think I was with him as he was getting in touch with his calling to help people. I went to Piña Palmera with him in ‘91 and Bruce made the kids faces light up. The kids’ smiles and laugh really made Bruce very happy. I think you can see that in this photo of Bruce and Malena. Many of the kids at Piña Palmera had disabilities and Bruce found his calling from watching these kids navigate their worlds and how therapy really gave the kids tools to be more independent and have fun. In addition to his deep laugh, Bruce had a big heart. When I met him, I was supporting my mother as she fought breast cancer. I will never forget his kindness and understanding. Then he totally suprised both my mother and me. He was quite a cook and he cooked my mom dinner just as a nice gesture. None of us really thought she would eat much as chemo suppressed her appetite. My mom was a French trained chef and chemo made her super finicky. My mom loved and devoured Bruce’s meal. Bruce was so happy that she truly enjoyed his meal and that in turn made Bruce smile ear to ear. Again it reaffirmed his calling to help people heal. Although I have only seen Bruce at Louis a few times over the years, but it was always nice to catch up with him. We lost a good guy way too early. I send my heartfelt condolences to Nila, Niko and the Staudts. Carla Fenton Witt
6 days ago

Cathy Jones After graduating from Tufts in 1982, I travelled to San Francisco with my girlfriend Maria, where I met Bruce and, as it turned out, a LOT of other people from Tufts. Bruce was a big part of those early foundational years, and to me personally because he was my boyfriend. We lived together with other roommates at 1818 McAllister and met the three guys upstairs: Dave, Jon, and Scott. At the time, the rent was $150 a room and since Bruce and I shared a room, we each paid only $75! We became Californians together. Bruce was a housepainter and I worked in a café. We took an awesome trip to Mexico and Belize together in 1983 or so. Such good memories. Thank you, Bruce. What a kind and gentle person you were. We were all fortunate to form a somewhat Tufts-centric friend group, which continues to bring joy and companionship more than four decades later. I always enjoyed seeing Bruce over the years (thanks for the Christmas parties, Louis!) after I moved out of town. I miss you Bruce. I wish you a happy birthday, which if I’m not mistaken is January 14th. I’m so so sorry to miss your Celebration of Life. (I’ll be in Dallas with my mom visiting my eldest son and his family.) See you around the bend. Love and strength to Nila and Nico. ♥️ cathy jones
8 days ago

Ana Maria (Ía) Carbonell I am so sorry Bruce left this world so soon. I spent a great deal of time with him back in the '80s in SF during our formative young-adult years. We were part of the same "gang" of mainly East Coast transplants, most of us Tufts alums. Here are a few things I remember about Bruce: • Back in the '80s, when most of us were focused on music and good times, he'd talk to me about global politics, and he wanted to learn about my small home country. • I rarely saw him over the last decades, but whenever I did, his face would light up, making me feel special. • He made the best quesadillas. I learned how to make them from him on one of our camping trips. • He was impressed by my piano playing, despite my being rhythmically challenged. (I was impressed he was impressed.) • At the Blues Festivals in Fort Mason, Zydeco music was his favorite. He'd jump right up, give a whoop, and start dancing. • Bruce treated me with respect and kindness, and he was always curious about who I was. I know Bruce was writing a novel. I'm guessing his curiosity about others and the deep care he held for many people made for some great characters. Qué descanses en paz, Bruce. Repose en paix.
12 days ago

David Brandt Bruce and I worked together at SF General for 20+ years. He texted me in May of last year. Love this positive text. You can see the smile on his face just reading it: -“Yo OG. Blast from the past here. You still in the trenches ? If so I can confirm that retirement is a great thing. Been to Ireland, Spain, Scotland, and England so far. And a pension is a frickin awesome thing. They send me money every month. Like, for real?? Say hey to the crew for me”
14 days ago